MAMAKATING – EMTs from the Mamakating First Aid Squad and a paramedic from Wallkill are being credited with saving the life of Wurtsboro resident Mike Young. The efforts of those involved were recognized by local and state elected officials on Tuesday night.
According to EMT Jeff Ashdown, September 2 started as a normal shift at the Mamakating First Aid Squad until around 11 a.m. when a woman knocked on the door and asked the first responders to check on her husband who might be having a heart attack.
Mr. Young was in his car in the parking lot when the EMT Ashdown and his partner, Alexandra Reiley, assessed him. An emergency trip to the hospital ensued, with the EMTs working on Young, and Wurtsboro Mayor Frank Sisco, a member of the first aid squad driving the ambulance. Young went lifeless during the ride. The rig picked up Wallkill Paramedic Phil Longden en route to assist the EMTs in reviving the patient. Young needed to be shocked at least four times before being brought back to life on the ride to the hospital.
On Tuesday night, Young and his wife joined Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and Senator Mike Martucci in recognizing the efforts of the EMTs, paramedic, and the emergency driving by Mayor Sisco.
“I just feel blessed. I feel forever thankful to everyone who helped me starting with my wife and the people here at the ambulance squad,” he said.
Gunther and Martucci offered citations from their respective legislative bodies recognizing the work. “Your heroic efforts saved this man’s life,” Gunther told the crew. Martucci also praised the work, saying, “This is a great story – but we’re not surprised. It’s part of your everyday routine.”
Mr. Young, with his wife at his side, told Mid-Hudson News, “I just feel blessed and forever thankful for Jeff, Alex, Frank, and Phil. I am really thankful for their help.”
